NEW WESTMINSTER – The Salmonbellies cruised past the Langley Thunder in game one of their WLA Semi Final series on Wednesday night by a score of 12-5. For the fourth straight year New West opened the playoffs with a win on home floor at Queens Park Arena.

After falling behind 1-0 early in the game, Ilija Gajic scored his first two goals of the 2009 playoffs in under a minute, giving the home team a 2-1 advantage. Following a Thunder goal, New West scored five straight goals to close out the first period with a 7-2 lead. Cliff Smith netted two, while veteran Chris Gill, Tyler Crompton and Scott Stewart each potted singles in the first period onslaught. New West’s power play was dangerous, going two for two in the first frame.

The second period was scoreless for the first 14 minutes, but it was an unbelievable showcase of athleticism from the two clubs. Both New West and Langley displayed great transition and shut down defence, while at the same time created several scoring chances at each end of the floor. The second period scoreless drought finally ended as fourth year Bellie, Jamie Floris scored his first of the post season, and gave the Bellies an 8-2 lead. Gajic and Crompton would each score another goal to close out the second period at 10-2. New West played some of its best defence of the season in the middle stanza, not allowing a single goal. Goaltender Matt Roik was exceptional turning aside every shot faced in the period.

The eight goal lead built up through two periods proved to be enough for the home squad, as Langley could only find the net three more times in the third. Peter Morgan provided some offence in the final frame with his first, while Gajic added his fourth on the night, helping the Bellies to the 12-5 win. Roik continued his consistent play from the regular season, stopping 38 of 43 shots, to collect his first win of the 2009 playoffs.

New West looked to be the far superior team all night. Their playoff experience has to be credited as one of their winning factors against a youthful Langley team. Although this series is far from over, it was a great way to start the road to the 2009 Mann Cup.

Game two of this series goes Friday night in Langley, while game three is back home at QPA on Sunday August 9th. Game time is at 7:45pm.

Salmonbellies 2009 Playoff Schedule:

Game 1: Langley 5 - New West 12

Game 2: Friday August 7th New West @ Langley 7:45pm Langley Events Centre

Game 3: Sunday August 9th Langley @ New West 7:45pm QPA

Game 4: Tuesday August 11th New West @ Langley 7:45pm Langley Events Centre

Game 5: Thursday August 13th Langley @ New West 7:45pm QPA * (If Necessary)

Game 6: Saturday August 15th New West @ Langley 7:45pm Langley Events Centre * (If Necessary)

Game 7: Monday August 17th Langley @ New West 7:45pm QPA * (If Necessary)